Album in Review: 'On The Road' EP - John Welsh
Reviewed by Red Kitchen Media
"The summer is here!"
A statement undoubtedly recited from any living soul that resides here on the 'wet coast.' Even I, a sardonic homebody, can drift my thoughts away from the mundane as I anticipate the summer moments to be filled with good times, good people and good weather (fingers crossed).
Of course what would our spontaneous road trips with friends, camping excursions or patio BBQ's be without the accompaniment of those great summer tunes. We all compose our summer playlists with the notion that the songs we choose will sound that much brighter when the sun is shining and we're among friends.
Therefore music and mood have struck a remarkable friendship within us. So easily can music affect our emotions. When we want to shut off and retain our self-misery, there is music for that. When we want a boost, a guide to heightening our enjoyment, or a validating echo of our own positivity, there is music for that as well.
Lucky for us John Welsh's new EP 'On The Road' has chosen the latter.
Usually, when I write an album review, I struggle with the appropriate adjectives and defining characteristics that will best convey my opinions. Fortunately these songs have made it rather easy on me as that easy-feeling sound will do.
Now I define easy-feeling not as an overplayed Eagles song but rather, "the music you won't have to try hard to like." It's not the type of music that needs to grow on you until you've deduced that it's actually really good, it's more of that instantaneous feeling compared to the first time we heard Bob Marley. From the first listen you'll be tapping your feet and humming the melodies as you can't help but enjoy. Both fun and refreshing, 'On The Road' is that great summer companion that will keep the good times rolling and the positive energy flowing.
The title track, 'On The Road' is extraordinarily catchy and has a universal quality that makes it widely appealing for all audiences. An energetic display of rhythmical poetry as it seems each beat excites the next, enticing the listener as the song moves forward. One of my favourite lines from the song,
"Roll down the window and take a breath of air.
It's a feeling you can't get anywhere."
Great instructions from the artist himself telling us how to truly enjoy his song.
Other tracks from the EP, 'Leave it for Another Day' and 'Reggae Queen' keep the energy up with their singalongability and danceable (or in my case swayable) rhythms. The original tune, 'Mexicana' is a sultry arrangement featuring flamenco guitar which adds an authentic Latin sound. It's the only track on the album sung completely in Spanish but does a lot to showcase the diversity that John brings in his music. Then for all of us good-time-seekers, there is the 'Newfoundland Song.' A clever and witty folk ballad with a catchy melody and comical lyrics. This track raises it's glass in cheers to it's pleasantly absurd enjoyability. Last but not least, 'Summer Starlight.' A subtle yet vibrant song with a smooth feel and imaginable presence that makes me picture a relaxing summer nightcap in front of the campfire. Altogether these songs have a moment making energy that will be sure to leave their mark on your good times to come.
My only complaint, if you could even call it that, would be that this album is merely an EP. Six songs doesn't seem like enough for my spontaneous summer road trip this year. I'll barely have left my home by the time this album ends and then starts repeating… On second thought, with the windows down, with the sun shining and the music blaring…. the feeling of being 'On The Road' is a feeling worth repeating.
- James Donnelly
Writer,
Red Kitchen Media
'On The Road' is available on iTunes for only $5.94
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